Essential Tips for Visiting Pompeii

Many visitors to Pompeii are surprised by the vastness and complexity of the archaeological site. 

Located southeast of Naples in Italy’s Campania region, Pompeii spans nine districts filled with incredible attractions, offering an unparalleled journey back in time. 

To help you fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, here are some essential tips based on real experiences.

Not sure which Pompeii entry tickets are right for you? Let us guide you through the best options, from skip-the-line tickets and guided tours to convenient day tours to Pompeii, to make the most of your visit!

1. Buy your tickets in advance

Pompeii is one of Italy’s top tourist destinations, drawing thousands of visitors daily.

This often leads to long lines at ticket counters. To skip the wait, it’s best to book your tickets online.

Booking in advance not only guarantees your entry but also lets you choose from a range of ticket options, including basic entry, skip-the-line access, guided tour tickets, combo tickets, and private tours.

This way, you’ll secure your spot and can fully enjoy all that Pompeii has to offer without the hassle.

Entry is free on the first Sunday of each month, but expect large crowds on those days.

2. Arrive early or late

The best time to visit the Pompeii Archeological Park is when it opens at 9 am in the morning.

If you can reach there by 8.30 am, that will be even better, as it gives you a head start and allows you to enter without waiting for a long time.

Early hours offer the perfect lighting for photos.

The next best time to skip the crowds and intense midday heat is by visiting later in the afternoon, around 3.30 pm.

This can also provide a quieter experience, as most tour groups will have finished their visits by then.

3. Guided tours

Given Pompeii’s vastness (almost 163 acres/66 hectares), exploring everything in just a few hours is nearly impossible.

One of the best ways to ensure you experience the highlights of Pompeii is by booking a guided tour.

A knowledgeable guide can navigate you through the most significant sites, providing context and stories that bring the ancient ruins to life.

4. Choose the right entrance

Pompeii has several entrances, with Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro, and Piazza Esedra being the main ones.

Porta Marina is closer to the larger attractions, while Piazza Anfiteatro is quieter, often with shorter lines.

While all entrances offer wheelchairs, Porta Marina, the main entrance, is uniquely equipped with the “Pompeii for All” facilities.

5. Use the accessibility map

The site is expansive, so to navigate these pathways effectively, make use of the Pompeii map.

This resource offers a clear, detailed layout of the accessible routes.

This will help you plan your visit to enjoy the historical wonders of Pompeii fully.

6. Weather conditions

Pompeii is an open-air site, so checking the weather forecast before your visit helps you come prepared.

With limited shaded areas, especially in summer, pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

Staying hydrated is essential, so carry a refillable water bottle.

Pompeii’s ancient cobblestone streets are uneven, so be sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. Expect to walk a lot, as the site is large and spread out.

You can bring a light rain jacket if rain is expected.

7. Try the Pompeii VR Experience or the Virtual Reality tour

Explore the lost city of Pompeii with this 3D walking tour, blending augmented reality and audio guidance.

With AR glasses, experience the ruins transform into immersive reconstructions, giving you a glimpse into the daily life of Ancient Rome.

This 2-hour tour starts at 10.30 am, with tickets priced at €46 for adults.

Another option is to opt for a Pompeii discovery virtual reality tour, which pairs a classic guided tour of the legendary ruins with a breathtaking 3D journey.

You’ll witness all nine iconic sites brought back to life before your eyes.

This tour starts at 2.30 pm, with tickets priced at €200 for a group of two.

8. Dining and refreshment

There are a few dining and refreshment options on-site, perfect for recharging during your visit.

Cafés near the main entrances provide snacks, light meals, and beverages to enjoy before or after your tour.

CHORA Café, AUTOGrill Pompeii Café, and Scavi Café are some of the famous ones.

Remember that eating is restricted to designated areas to help preserve the site.

Some tours offer authentic Italian lunches along with a guided tour.

9. Follow the rules and regulations

There are some rules and regulations that visitors must follow to help preserve the site for everyone.

Respect all restricted areas, which are carefully designated to safeguard fragile structures and ongoing excavation work.

Avoid touching artifacts and stay on marked paths to protect the ancient ruins.

Bear in mind that even small actions can cause lasting damage to this historical site, so it’s best to follow these guidelines to maintain this Roman city.

10. Visit nearby sites

If time allows, consider exploring nearby sites like Herculaneum, Oplontis, the Stabiae Villas, Boscoreale, Longola, Castle of Lettere, Quisisana Palace, and Mount Vesuvius.

All these sites offer unique insights into Roman life, often with fewer crowds.

For those traveling from places like Rome, Naples, Amalfi, Sorrento, or Positano, there are also guided day tours with transportation that make visiting these historic locations easier.

11. Other facilities

Other facilities include shops, first aid stations, a police station at the Porta Marina entrance, an emergency assembly point, a cloakroom, lifts, wheelchair-friendly toilets, a bookshop, a help desk, strollers and wheelchair rentals, baby changing rooms, and smoking areas.

Pro tip: If you are visiting Pompeii with kids, make sure you bring a baby carry bag instead of using the stroller as the paths are uneven, and it can slow down your walking.

In case of any emergency, contact the Park’s Medical Centre (+39 081 8575404).

Note: Large backpacks, bags (cm 30x30x15), and umbrellas are not allowed, but you can keep them in the cloakroom. Make sure you beat the crowd to get a spot, or else you better not bring them. Instead, you can rent a room and keep them all there in Pompeii.

Related: Find nearby hotels for a comfortable stay in Pompeii

12. For families visiting with kids

If you are visiting Pompeii with kids, you can opt for a private happy tour for children.

Take your kids on a two-hour walking tour with skip-the-line access and entertaining commentary catered to younger attendees.

As you explore the forum, listen to engrossing tales of Roman life that bring history to life for the whole family.

13. Main shaded areas

1. Triangular Forum

2. Necropolis of Porta Stabia 

3. Ambulacra of the amphitheater

4. Viale dell’Anfiteatro

5. Garden of Giulia Felice 

6. Sacred Woods 

7. Pine forest along Viale delle ginestre 

8. Antiquarium

Building with roofs

9. Large Palaestra 

10. House of the Vettii 

11. House of the Dioscuri 

12. House of the Golden Cupids 

13. House of the Silver Wedding

14. House of the Europa Ship

15. Tannery (Monday) 

16. Insula of the Chaste Lovers 

17. Quadriportico of the Theatres

18. House of the Venus in the Shell